Cooper cops a huge fine and suspended ban

Quade Cooper has today been found to be in breach of the ARU Code of Conduct in respect of his social media and media comments between Saturday 22 and Thursday 27 September.

The independent three person Tribunal, which heard the allegations, was chaired by Barrister Dominic Villa and included David Giffin and Mark Woolley.

Quade Cooper was fined $10,000 for an adverse tweet on Saturday 22 September with respect to an ARU licensed product.

In connection to adverse social media and media comments made about ARU and the Qantas Wallabies Cooper was fined a further $50,000, with $20,000 of the fine suspended for a period of two years, subject to ongoing compliance with the ARU Code of Conduct.

He was also handed a three match suspension applicable to any Super Rugby or Test Match in which he would be available. The three match suspension will only be enforced should Cooper fail to adhere to the ARU Code of Conduct over the following two years.

In making their decision the panel took into consideration the period of time over which the offences were committed and Cooper’s previous record.

Following the Tribunal’s decision, Cooper said, he was pleased the matter had been resolved.

“I had a fair hearing and I acknowledge that I fell below the standards expected of me as a Wallaby,” Cooper said.

“I want to focus on the future and moving forward I am determined to restore the faith people have placed in me.

“My passion for representing my country is very strong and I am focussed on having a strong year next year and putting my hand up for selection in the Wallabies squad.”

ARU Deputy CEO, Matt Carroll AM, said ARU noted the Tribunal’s findings and would now consider the next step in the contracting process with Quade Cooper.

“ARU placed contract negotiations with Quade Cooper on hold until the Tribunal process had been finalised,” Mr Carroll said.

“Given the Tribunal has handed down its decision, this matter as far as we are concerned has been finalised.

“ARU will now look at how we address the contract situation involving Quade Cooper.”